UPDATE: Matthew Jordan family: "We love you dearly and are taking you home to be at peace"

THE family of missing Matthew Jordan have issued a statement thanking the hundreds of people who helped in the search for him.

It follows the discovery of the 20-year-old's body in Windermere yesterday morning.

A statement released through Cumbria Police said: “We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone for all of your support and kind words and actions in trying to help us to find Matthew.

“For those of you that knew him, it represents what a fantastic, friendly and humorous person he was.

"For those of you who didn’t know him, yet still put a lot of your time and effort into searching for him, it shows that people in your community do care, are selfless, and have a wonderful team spirit.

"You have been truly fantastic and we feel part of the community now.

“We found you Matthew, we love you dearly and are taking you home to be at peace.”

Matthew, a criminology student, had gone missing after separating from his friends during a night out in Bowness on March 27.

His body was discovered yesterday (Tuesday) at 10.20am at Rayrigg Wyke by the Police Marine Unit.

Officers said there are 'no suspicious circumstances' surrounding his death.

“Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family at this tragic time," said Detective Inspector Furzana Nazir, who will lead this afternoon's press conference.

“The response in helping to search for Matthew was tremendous.

"We cannot thank everyone, from family, friends to members of the public, the local community, and partner agencies, enough for their help and assistance.

“We continue to support the family at this very difficult time.”

In recent weeks, the water has been searched by divers and boat patrols, with the local community also turning out to help find him.

Rayrigg Wyke is a small bay off the eastern shore of Windermere close to the A592 on Rayrigg Road, Bowness.

Ipsoregulated

This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standardards Organisations's Editors' Code of Practice. If you have a compaint about editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then please contact the editor here. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here